Discussion Board
Newbie boater - Advice/Suggestions?
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 05/30/2012 12:49 PM
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krick
Joined: 08/16/2007
Posts: 7
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Newbie boater - Advice/Suggestions?
Hi all - I recently unexpectedly inherited a 20'6" runabout (Tahoe Q6 Ski and Fish w/190HP Mercruiser I/O) and as a newbie in terms of private saltwater boating, I'm hoping for some advice or to be pointed in the right direction for advice. Specifically:
Safety: I've read all the applicable rules and regulations, but what do I need to properly outfit my boat for saltwater use beyond what's legally required (for example, my gut tells me I should have a marine radio, but I don't know if that's overkill or what kind).
Fishing: My boat is equipped with a livewell and cooler but that's it in terms of fishing equipment. What other electronics and equipment should I be looking at?
Other: Any other suggestions or advice about outfitting and operating?
Thanks in advance.
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05/30/2012 02:22 PM
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Wils
Joined: 03/21/2007
Posts: 16014
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re: Newbie boater - Advice/Suggestions?
Post a picture of the boat AND trailer.
It is probably built for freshwater and, as such, doesnt have the higher marine grade bolts and wiring.
if the trailer is not galvanized, think twice before dunking it in the saltwater.
If this is the case, seriously consider selling it and buying a boat and trailer combo that was built for the saltwater.
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05/30/2012 06:08 PM
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krick
Joined: 08/16/2007
Posts: 7
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re: Newbie boater - Advice/Suggestions?
Wils wrote:
Post a picture of the boat AND trailer.
It is probably built for freshwater and, as such, doesnt have the higher marine grade bolts and wiring.
if the trailer is not galvanized, think twice before dunking it in the saltwater.
If this is the case, seriously consider selling it and buying a boat and trailer combo that was built for the saltwater.
Here's a picture of the same model (not mine). The trailer is galvanized.
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05/30/2012 06:53 PM
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harddrive
Joined: 04/19/2007
Posts: 2937
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re: Newbie boater - Advice/Suggestions?
I would first start with a Radio and an Antenna. Make sure that works. Cell phone coverage drops out after you go some miles off shore.
Get all the safety equipment. Life vest, flares etc.
Do some driving around in Long Beach Harbor or something and get the experience.
For me. Fishing on a private boat, first priority is safety. Catching fish is a bonus. You always want to come home in one piece.
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05/31/2012 07:08 AM
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BODEAN
Joined: 03/23/2005
Posts: 404
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re: Newbie boater - Advice/Suggestions?
and make sure your bilge pump is a good one and works, and a fresh fire extinguisher. it can show a full charge but the powder is prone to packing in the bottom after a while and will make it useless.
a decent GPS with a map built in would definitely be a plus for those low visibility days.
also make sure you have a decent anchor with enough line in case of a mechanical problem, saves you from going to the beach, people get killed that way. a radar would also benefit you. getting lost in the fog or ran over by a freighter isn`t any fun.
also get a dockside inspection from the coast guard its free and there are no fines if you are missing something flares out of date ETC but it may save you . if you get boarded at sea they can terminate your voyage if they deem that it is unsafe.
Best of luck to you,
R MAY
This post edited by BODEAN 05/31/2012
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05/31/2012 10:00 AM
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krick
Joined: 08/16/2007
Posts: 7
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re: Newbie boater - Advice/Suggestions?
Thanks all. According to the dealer and mfr, the boat is built to be used in both salt and fresh, as is the trailer, so I'm hoping that as long as I wash it down and flush the engine after each saltwater use it will hold up. I'm less certain, however, about how it would handle larger wind waves and swells (by larger, I mean larger than would typically be encountered on lakes). I'm set on the anchor, PFDs, flares and extinguisher already and have now started looking at a marine radio and gps. I'll also look into a boating class.
What about depthmeters/fish finders - are they absolutely necessary to find fish or can I make do without for inshore fishing?
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